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^The Salixttion of Si/i/iera thruagh the richts of Divine Grace. 

TWO HOMILIES, 

PRONOUNCED AT 
IN THE AUDIENCE OF THE ONEIDA INDIANS AT THEIR 

Eighth TrMiMial Anniversary, 

SINCE THE CONVERSION gE SIX HUNDRED PAGANS OF THAT TRIBE 
TO THE CHRISTIAN FAITH: 

On the 8 th of August, 1841. 



BY EL^AZER WILLIAMS, V. D. M. 



Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy potver.—Pitxlm ex. 3. 
Shall a nation be born at once ? — Isaiah Ixvi. 8. 







PUBLISHED BY REQUEST 






/f^^^^ 


PRINTED AT THE REPUBLICAN 
GREEN BAY, AV. T. 

1842. 


OFFICE, 



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.,VU ^'^ ^^ 
Such it the interesting fuct of the conversion of the Oneida I.\dia.^s, to tliff 

fhriMian faith, under the Ministry of the Rev. Mr. ■\Vn,LiA.M», that the Editor has 

been induced to insert in the Appendix, several extrncts in rcUition to it, from 

different publications; among the rest, Bishop Ilobaris address to the ConveutioB, 





HOMILY 1. 



THE SALVATION OF SINNERS THROUGH THE RICHES 
. OF DIVINE GRACE. 



Nothing less than the love and respect I have for the Onieda Na- 
tion, and a disposition to do what is within my power to aid in cora- 
meriiorating an event in which I was deeply interested, would have 
induced me' to hazard a feeble voice in addressing you— a voice long 
unused to speak in public, and which perhaps may fail me on this oc- 
casion. But I am addressing a friendly and candid audience. 

"Let the words of our mouth, and the meditations of our heart be 
now and ever acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, our strength, and our 
Redeemer." 

EPHESIANS, Chap. ii. ver. 4—7. 

" J?w« God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved 
us even tvhen zve icere dead in sins, hath quickened us together wit/i 
Christ- (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised ?« vp together, and 
mude us sit together in heavefily places, in Christ Jesus; that 7 n the 
ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kind- 
ness towards us through Christ Jesus. '^ 

My Brethren— What an accumulation of grand, of sublime ideas 
is here presented to our view. With the Tsalmist must every pious 
Christian unite and testify, that the meditation of God is sweet unto 
him It is on this subject, difficult to decide winch most to admire, 
whether the grace of God, the benefactor, or the felicity of those who 
are made to participate in his blessings. The paragraph which now 
lies before us, requires that we give our present attention to that most 
delightful of all revealed doctrines, the ihches of Divine Grace. In 
the verses immediately preceding our text, the Apo.stle here stnk- 
ingly exhibited the affecting state of the idolatrous and unrcgcncrate 
world. He here in animated strains, displays the grace of God, and 
the elory and happiness of His chosen and sanctilied people. Tins 
grace, in the passage which we now have under consideration is 
magnified by St. Paul in bringing up to view, 

1/5 Origin, 

Its Operations, and 

Its Jlesuhs. 
1 



I. To illustrate and display this grace, the Apostle states its origin 
or soKrce. God is rich in mercy, and abundant in love, and these if 
we may credit tlie testimony oi God himself, are most favorite attri- 
butes of Godhead. "And the Lord passed by,'"' says Moses, '-and 
proclaimed I am the Lord, the Lord God merciful and gracious, long 
suffering and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for 
thousands and forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin. and that 
will by no means clear the guilty. '■• And in the display of these dar- 
ling perfections he declares he has peculiar delight. "Who,'" says 
the Prophet, ''is a God like unto thee that ]iardoneth iniquity, and 
passeth by the transgression of the remnant of liis heritage, he retain- 
eth not his anger forever, Ijecausc lie delighted in mercy.'" Of these 
attributes, and these exercises, there exists in the heart of God an in- 
exhaustible fountain. Thus the Apostle witnesses, '"the same Lord 
over all, is rich tmto all that call upon him, for whosoever shall call 
upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."' They have in all ages 
since the apostacy liown down upon this guilty world, even ui)on the 
most vile and unwurthy creatures: aiul assurance is given us, that 
they will Continue to liciw luidiniinishcd to all eternity. While God 
remains the same lie cannot cease to jiossess and exhiint these ador- 
able and darling perfections, for says J^t. John, "God is Love."' 

Here, then, my brethren, wc discover the source, the uncreated 
and unchangeable .source of all the mercy which has been manifested 
lowanls fallen, self-ruined and justly condemned man. Ailam in the 
character ami state of a rebel, certainly could present nothing which 
should merit the favuiable attention of his abused INIaker: he had 
voluntarily, and in opposition to all possible motives i)lunged him- 
self, and all that he represented into a state of hopeless and unfath- 
omable guilt and woe. But in this awful, and in the estimation of nil 
created intelligences, pitiable situation, the bowels of his good, but 
abused Maker yearned over him. "Adam,*' says he. "where art 
thou '■' Tho divine solicitude expressed in their alicctionate (per- 
haps we may say in this jdaintive) empiiry is very striking. His 
Creator wouutled and grieved by his transgression and apostacy. still 
entertained designs of mercy towards him and was disposed to show 
liim cuiupassion. 

We |MThajis may justly conceive of God's feelings towards Adam 
and Ills ruiu<'«l race, as expressed by the Prophet when he says, 
"how hhall I give thee up ICphraim. how shall I deliver thee Israel, 
how shall I make tiiee as Admuh. 1k«w sluiU 1 set thee Zeboim, mine 
heart is turned within me, my n ] :ire kindled togetlu^r, I will 

uol execute the fierceiies.s i.f ia\ I will not return to destroy 

Ephruiin , for I am ( lud, and not inun 

On tluK ground it wa.s that llu- Savior of the world appeared, if wc 
may credit hi.s own dtelaratioiis. " For Ciod so loved the world that 
ho frnvc hi% only begotten Son, that whensoever believeth in him 
8h«mld not jhtihIi but have evci lasting life."' 

In this view we can reudiiy ncemuit for all the calls, invitations 
ami ofTrrn of mercy and salvation which have been made to a perish- 
mti Wfrld. nn<l oti nr» nth.-i ^'ronn-l run it p.-vsiMv ]»• nrennntcd fo»^ 



that a single individual of the countless uiilliuns ol' liunian sinnorf"!. 
now encircling the throne of Heaven, was ever redeemed from the 
ruins of sin. Wherefore, in order to form just conceptions of the 
greatness of that grace, and the abundance of tliat love which lias 
been manifested towards us, we must contemplate it, 

II. In its operations. 

And my Brethren, in thousands of ways, has this self-created and 
infinite grace heen displayed towards us. But let our attention at 
this time be limited to its operations as tiiey arc enumerated and set 
forth in the passage chosen for our text. And says the Apostle, ''God 
■who is rich in mercy for his great love wherewith he loved us, hath 
quickened lis even when we w^xe dead in sins." What the Apostle 
means Avlien he asserts that we were dead in sins, is instantly made 
evident, by what he states in the verses preceding the text. He 
there represents that we were ^valking according to the course of 
this world, that we \vcre the voluntary and chosen vassals of Satan, 
that "we wer.e indulging every species of filthiness, both of the flesh 
and^of the sjnrit, and that finally we were giving the most demon- 
strative proof, that by nature as well as practice, \vewere children of 
wrath, and that in addition to all this we Avere utterly destitute of 
all power to help and save ourselves. That when we were yet 
without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. In this 
unhallowed, this unhappy, this forlorn situation, did God look upon 
us in tender compassion. Strikingly does Jehovah illustrate this 
idea, when by the mouth of Ezekiel, he says, "when I passed by 
thee and saw thee polluted in thy blood, I said unto thee, when thou 
wast in thy blood, live, yea I said unto thee, when thou wast in thy 
blood, live;" and as the Apostle declares, wc V\"ere thus quickened, 
when dead in sins, by tlie same spirit, by which he raised Christ .lesus 
from the dead. By this transaction which could be effected only by 
Omnipotence, Ave Avere united together Avith Christ, and rendered 
comformable to him as one head. 

In vieAV of these things, my Brethren, shall aa'c, can Ave forbear to 
exclaim Avith St. John, ''behold Avhat manner of loA-e. the Father 
hath bestowed upon us, that Ave should be called the sons of God! 
therefore the A\'orld knoAveth us not, because it kncAv Himnot. And 
not only has He quickened us Avlien Ave Avere dead in sin;" but fur- 
ther, He has also raised us up and enthroned us together Avith Christ 
in Heaven. 

The holy Apostle had previously stated, and in a lively manner 
expatiated upon Avhat God Avrought for Christ; AA'hat, he enquires, 
is the exceeding greatness of his poAA'er toAA'ard us Avho belicA-e ? He 
replies, "it is according to the Avorking of his mighty poAver Avhich he 
wrought in Christ Avhen he raised him from the dead and set him at 
His own right hand in the heavenly places." In our text he draws 
a parallel between all true Christians and their Savior, and repre- 
sents, that Avhat Avas done for Christ is to be considered as done for 
cA-ery member of his mvstical body. In this view Christians are to 



be coiisiJcMvJ Us ligiualivcly risen Aviili Chiia-t. and as aiieaJy cn- 
tbroneil with Him in Heaven. Tlieie are lljeir hearts, there is their 
conversation, anil there is their rest. "For our conversation" says 
the Ai>ostle, -is in Heaven, from wlience also we look for the Savior 
the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall ehange our vile body, that it may 
be fashioned like unto Ilis glorious body, according to the working 
wliereby he is able even to subdue all things unto liimsclf." 

In what a striking manner does He in all this exemplify and esta- 
blish the testimony of the Prophet, "lie raiseth up the poor out of the 
dust, and lificlh n\> the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among 
Pfinees. and to make them inherit the throne of Glory." 

Verily, my Brethren, lierc arc most richly and wonderfully dis- 
playcil. tiic exceeding riches of Divine Grace. And this stupendous 
display of grace will aj)pcar altogether worthy of God. if we contcm- 
plule it as proposed; 

III. In its end, or final result. 

"Of Him. and throufrh Him, and to Hiin are all things." Not only 
is Go:l the author or origin ; He is also the end, or final result of all 
things. It wouhl be utterly unw<irthy of a Being of infmile benevo- 
lence, to do any tiling which shouKl not result in His own glory; it is 
im|Mtssiblc therefore that the inlinite Jehovah, should not have this 
always in His view, and in all his operations, aim at its accompMsh- 
incnt. That the manifestation of himself and display of his own 
glory was the exjiress purpose for which He revealed His grace, our 
A|Mi>lle assures us in the p.reccding chapter, 'Blessed be the God 
nnd Fnlher of our L«iiil Jesus Christ, wlio \iath blessed us with all 
Spiritual lilcssings in Heavenly i)liices in Christ, according as He hath 
cho.sfn MS in Him bef(jrc the loi.ndation oi'tlio world, that we should 
ho h<ily and without blame i)efore Him in love: having ])redestinated 
us unto the adoption of children of Jesus Christ to Himself according 
to the g(Mjd ph-asiirj; of His will; to the praise of the glory of His 
j^race wherein lb* hath made us accepted in the beloved."' And my 
BriMJiren. this en<l or purpose is in some good measure already at- 
tuiiwd. The exhibit i«in which CJod has made of His sovereign and 
nnd abotindiiif uiercy, both toward the Jewish and Gentile worhl, 
will form II .>ubiecl lA' ailiniriii!:; woiidc-r, throughout all agi-s to the 
en ' Kvery individual who is made a tnbject ol" this dis- 

til, iove and kindiM-sK of God our Savior, must of necessity 

n.! icl and cclfbratc th<' aiitln>r with adorinir praise — the ex- 

c<' Ill's of this grace is iinsrarcbabh*. and is inlinittdy enhanc- 

ed bv 111' 'ireumstancc of its flowing to us through Christ Jesus. 

To t t.rnity will the price wbu-h He has paid for these blessings, 
fMxb tir llnjii ti' tin- happy and highly honoreil possessors. As yet 
ihf irri-at diM^jns i.f r. drrining mercy are by no means fully answer- 
ri\, but my llrolhren, the day approach<'s \\ lu-n God will slaiul forth 
in virw <»!' tin- roniiregati'd creatuin. before assembled worlds cloth- 
i*d in nil iho rwhcH of His prace. iorming an essential part of the 
• plendid lobes of hi"* I'lory llich and I'lorious mdot-d will this grace 



appetir in tlie day ut' tiutil luid elcniul Jiuigiiieiil. Tlieii llic awi'ul 
depths of guilt and sin into which we were phuiged with the whole 
human family, will be laid open and exposed to the view of Angels 
and men. Then also will the spring and source of this abounding 
love; of these riches of grace be clearly discovered. There then Avill 
all these wonderful operations and glorious fruits be exhibited and 
beheld in one view. How will every eye then admire, and eve- 
ry tongue then adore. Surely nothing short of the acquisition of such 
infinite good, could call into operation, and make such a display of 
infinite grace. 

Let every individual, therefore, be excited to the most ardent and 
iinfainting exertion to experience these operations and be made the 
subject of this saving mercy, and let the debtor to grace, every sin- 
cere Christian, show forth his sense of obligation, for the kindness of 
God his Savior towards him, by a life devoted to His praise, and par- 
ticularly by exertions to spread the sweet savor of His name among 
men, especially among those who have never heard of the name of 
Jesus. My Christian Brethren, by far the greater portion of the in- 
habited earth is enveloped in thick clouds of superstition and error — 
not knowing even the first principles of the Gospel of Christ. In the 
days of the Apostles, in most, if not all tiiose extensive and populous 
regions, where they went preaching Christianity, the human race 
seemed scarcely to have received any di.stinct ideas on the subject 
of religion. Those of them who had any sense of their dependence 
and accountability vainly imagined that there were many gods, and 
those very much such beings as themselves — and those of tliem Avho 
had any apprehension of their depravity and guilt, were totally at a loss 
Avith respect to' any method of recovery to purity and happiness. 
Idolatry and ignorance — bigotry and delusion, every where ])rcvail- 
ed, and men groped after truth and enjoyment in a dark and com- 
fortless path. Such was, my Brethren, the deplorable moral and 
religious state of your ancestors when the apostolic men went fortli 
to declare unto them the Gospel of the grace of God. and acquaint 
them wilh the things that belonged to their peace. They were ig- 
norant of divine truth and strangers to pure religion, and "this is tlic 
case in every age and in every country, not exicepting even those 
■which are called Christians. Our own day and country bear witness 
to this fact. The rising generation, children and youth in vast num- 
bers remain ignorant of the God who made them, and have no just 
apprehension of the nature and extent of his laAV. They have heard 
probably of a Savior, but of his true character and the nature of his 
salvation they have no knowledge. Foolishness is bound up in their 
hearts and they need to be taught the great ])rincij)lcs of revealed re- 
ligion. Yes, and even to those who have arrived to mature age. and 
would resent the accusation of ignorance. 

Since infinite wisdom has ordained that by the foolishness of 
preaching all them that believe should be saved, liow deciily inter- 
esting is the employment and how solemnly afiecting the responsi- 
bility of the constituted ambassadors of Christ. Since tlic Gospo], 
through the influence of the Holy Ghost, is made the power of Cod 



8 

to ihe iiisiriiotioii ;md a\\^*akcaing, c»jii\ crsiuii and coinruit oi' peii.>h- 
iii'4 sinners, how intinitely important is a steady and conscientious 
attendance u]»on its ministration, to those who live within reach of 
the joyrid sound. 

Those whom Christ calls, and commands, and commissions, to go 
forth in his name warning their felloAV sinners ol' their guilt and con- 
demnation, m'ging theni to flee from imj)ending wrath and to believe 
the (Jospel, are often forced to the adoption of the Prophets com- 
plaint: "I have labored in vain and s])ent my strength for naught; 
yet surely my judgment is with the Lord, and my work with my 
God." But at other seasons they find to their abundant jcy, that 
their "doctrines drop as the rain and distil as the dew, as the small 
ruin upon the lender herbs, and as the showers upon the grass, 
and the fields are made while unto the harvest."' They find the 
jilain ami pungent preaching of the Go.spel comes with power upon 
liieir hearers; that .sinners, yea, pagan Infidels are converted, and 
Saints built u|» in faith and holiness, in knowledge and comfort unto 
salvation. Sunielimes tliey plant and water, preach and pray, re- 
prove and exhort with all tiiligence and fervour, with all long suffer- 
ing and doctrine, hut seemingly to no jnuposc — little or no apparent 
increa.se, few new converts, and old Christians like the foolish vir- 
gins all ush-ep. Whilst at otluer times the word preached, seems to 
profit, it takes holdof mens hearts, sinners are alarmed and aroused, 
are lilled with deep .solicitude about their souls and eternity. With 
Peters hearers they are pricked to the heart and exclaim, '• Men and 
Brethren what shall we do ?■' And as the trembling Jailor, cried 
to Paul and Sila.s, they enquire with dcei) anxiety, ''what must we 
do to be saved ?"' Such seasons as these most of us have witnessed, 
and all who love tlie truth, and long for the salvatit>n of poor and 
Itcrishing souls, will say. that they are truly times of refreshing; then 
the do<jr is op^Mi lor tlie greater usefulness of the jneacher. He 
proceeds in his work witli comfort and joy, animated by the prospect 
of having immortal souls for the seals of his fidelity, aiul the crown 
of his rejoicing in the day of the Lord Jesus. 

To these tilings, my Jirelhren, we arc not utter strangers. "Wo 
havo seen such times, we have experienced such feelings. There 
lins Ix'en visible among you in years j)ast, a hearing ear — a solemn 
and interested attention to subjects vl' eternal moment — yes, since 
your lirst eonversi<»u in I ''1 7, to the Christian faith, with what en- 
giit^edness and tender alleetion siiuie of y«>u have on Sundays and 
other days of the week, lislenctl to the words of eternal life. And 
iniiy i hopr that some of tlie seed then sown, and since watered, is 
Hprniging up to i-verlasiing life. In all such instances, thost* days 
Will Ihj reMien»l>er«'d with praise and thanksgiving to Ciod to all eter- 
ilily. In .Hueh a period and in sueh a place, the faithful Christian 
Mini»l'»r will with fi-eling, adopt the language of the Holy A])ostlo 
and di-ehire, "a great d<Mir and eU'eelual is opened unto me.'' 

The rehitioii which I have sustained among you, my Brethren, 
ennnut fuil to K've a lively interest in your welfare, ami excite a 
tender >»eu»»hility in the transactions of this day; — commemorating 



the gloiions event, Avlieii six Imiulred of the Oneida >stiti..iii. wlio luul 
iyeen pagans from time immemorial, embraced the Christian laith 
imdei- the ministry of him who now addresses yon. ^^'hat honr was 
that to Athich yonr nation had arrived ? When their aged and vcu- 
■erable Chiefs, (jounsellors, matrons, and warriors with ni[)lifted hands, 
and with conntenances indicating their minds to be deeply aflected, 
they nnitedly, with a lend voice renounced the principles of iiagan- 
ism, and made their profession in the Christian faith. In the former, 
said 'they, ''\<re no longer own the name of Pagans; we have aban- 
''doned our idols and our saciitices, and have lixed our hope on our 
'•'blessed Pwedeenier. In evidence of this assertion, we here tender 
''to your Excellency,* solemnly and ixnequivocally, our abjuration of 
"Paganism and its rites ; and take the Christian's God to be our Crod, 
"and our only hope of salvation." In the latter, "we Jx;lievc in 
"''God the Father, the creator and preserver of all ^y^ji^o-s We be- 
^4ieve^da Jesus Christ, that bp. ^;« t'AC; Son of God— the Savior of the 

^Cl-'-L. we Delieve in God the sanctilier and comforter of all the 

"Children of men. We believe in a general resurrection, and a fu- 

.'-'ture judgment, in which all mankind shall be judged according to 

, "their works. We believe the Scriptures to be the word of God, and 

"that in thcni are contained all things necessary to man's salvation." 

This was the most interesting and solemn hour you have ever 
known. An hour, from which your whole future life is to draw its 
chief importance and prospects ! An hour, big with consequences 
which "will extend through all eternity. Such was the religious pro- 
fession of your belief then made — made to tlie Triune God, in the 
sight of His holy Angels and Saints upon earth. How far your life 
and conversation have since been conformable to it — we leave tp 
your conscience to answer the solemn enquiry. 

Permit me to say again, my Brethren, that while with emotions of 
the liveliest sensibility. I would recall to mind and congratulate you 
on the accomplishment of your wishes, ■when you, then pagans and 
the first Christian party, were committed to my pastoral charge. 
With heart-felt gratitude I rejoice that the attachment which was 
then formed, has been preserved with most of you, without abate- 
ment : and ye arc witnesses to the sincerity and ardour with which I 
have endeavored to promote your temporal welfare and spiritual ed- 
ification. Still shall I cherish in accordance to your Avishes, an af- 
fectionate regard towards you, and be disposed to do you every oflicc 
of friendly attention or ministerial service, which may be useful to 
you, wiienever my health will permit, and the providence of God 
open an effectual door for that purpose. 

Ah I my Brethren, if the Prince of darkness and his emissaries had 
not entered into the Oneida Mission, as he did into the garden of 
Eden, you might have still enjoyed the labors of him, wlio was made 
an humble instrument in the hands of God, to convince and lead you 
to acknowledge Jesus as your God and redeemer. But Satan and 
wicked men were alarmed at the great reformation that was going 

*DamcI T. Tompkins. 



Id 

on among yoit. They would destroy and put an end to the glorioles 
work, aud this they cveutiially elfected by various means. The 
great adversary is ever fruitful in his devices to injure ihe cause of 
Christ. Sometimes by his instigation men may assume the appear- 
ance and character of Christians, when they are 'in the gall o( l.it- 
torness. and in the bonds of iniquity." Being deceived themselves, 
they would deceive others, under jjretence of building up the King- 
dom of the Redeemer among men, they avill carry a sanctimonious 
carriage and with a zeal which becomes the true followers of Christ. 
Not only these, but they would become the heralds of the Prince of 
Peace. And it is hoped not for the sake of "the fishes and the 
loavc!*," that they Avoiild thus take this ministry upon them, but fur 
the love of Christ and the souls of men. We are not to jutlge our 
fellow men any further, than we arc permitted by lliiu who is or- 
dained to UL- oiir linal .ludge. 'By their iVuils ye shall know them." 

When men of this descrii)iioii, my Brethren, are introduced inio 
the ministry of the Cospel, what may we expect of them, IjhI t" rend 
the body of Chri.st. and to scatter the Sheep, which proved to Lc the 
most unua]ipy conseciuence that followed on our separation. It is 
with a blfi-ilmg heart that I take a retrospective view to the time 
when the Church of Christ among you was rent in twain. The au- 
thors aud agents of that evil work, have taken an awlul responsibili- 
ty upon ihemsflves. Their lirst object was the removal of your 
Missionary from Oneida — and to effect this, the spirit of discord wag 
carefully h-rnifntcd in the nation : Yes, my Brethren, those who were 
in llie work of darkness employed most insidious means, Ity which 
you l>ccame gradually divided on tiie .subject of religion, and were 
easily led captive by those who would say to others, '"stand by, I am 
holier than tli<*u.' Kxtreme is the guilt of those who scatter poison- 
ous errors, or sow discord among the Brethren, and cause divisions 
and oHenci's in the Churches — who seduce the people from their 
Pastor, and weaken the salutary instructions; these are open enemies 
to Christ — these are counterworking his benevolent plan — these arc 
bringing on lln-mselves swift destruction. 

The same opi^jsition against his continuance in the Nation as a 
Missionary, he again expi-rieneeil at Ureen Bay in ]^32. After a 
severe toil for a series of years, to bring the Vineyard whieh he was 
ciiltiviiting t«i a slate of perfection, and luiving spent a little fortune 
ill lus humble utteinpts to promote the spiritual and t«Mnporal interest 
of tlie Omiilas. and to sustain the honor of tlie Ejnseopal Chureli, 
among the whites in that part of the country, he was once more ne- 
rcHMlated to retire fioiii the Nation. This was in eonse(]uencc of 
ncrtiiin reprcKeiilatioiis made by tin* elective, (against v liieli was 
Nirongly nrotrjiled by the Ilered'itaiy Chiefs) to the Bishop of New 
York, who uiitloubtedly from the best motives, was moved to with- 
druw hiH former .sanetu>n of Ins ollieiating to the Nation as a missit-n- 
nry • Tliin was done too hy tiic bishop, without any investigation 

* ' ' ' '» iIk^v (to iimlrr llir povcrnnicni of their Clinf-i. \vl»o 

^' •" Civil liiii tiiiu) tln« Krclcsinstinil ronccrns of iIip Tribe, 

"■•- ■ n iMrr, m lrB»i, III •onip m^iniiirn to thf romrminirnnt?, hn» 



II 

into the ''pretended causes of the difficulties then existing between 
the Missionary and some of the chiefs.' And, whether this course of 
proc;eeding in such cases, was in conformity to the cnnons of tlie 
Church, -he humbly leaves now as he did formerly to the Bishop for 
his decision. 

To disunite the Missionary from his charge, similar means as for- 
merly were resorted to. Alas! another scene of discord and confu- 
sion was spreading among you — old friendship Avas broken up — dead- 
ly hostilities took their place — and you soon became a subject of tri- 
umph for your enemies, and of deep distress and anxiety to your 
friends. This great and lamentable change, was most unhappily 
not for the best interest of religion, nor for your s])iritual inij)rovc- 
ment — and those who have thus thrust the torch of discord between 
the 'j>arties to divide them, must on calm rellcction, on their death 
bed, mourn over it with tears of blood. 

But ^vc turn from such painful reflections as these, to the consider- 
ation of the vast importance of the ministerial work. No undertak- 
ing or employment, my Brethren, is so momentous as the jiastoral 
care. No profession or order of men have so weighty a charge and 
so awful a responsibility as those who watch for souls, as they that 
must give account. Their concern for their own salvation, their 
solicitude for that of others, and their fear lest any should perish 
through their negligence or imfaithfulness, must be acknowledged 
by all thinking persons to be solemn and alarming considerations. 
He who engages in it "with right views, must be disposed, as well as 
consider himself obliged to do his utmost to prevent the misery and 
xuin of his fellow beings, those especially of whom he has a particu- 
lar charge; and to direct and quicken, and assist them in the pursuit 
of everlasting happiness ! And let him know that he who convertelh 
a sinner from the error of his ways, shall save a soul from death, and 
hide a multitude of sins; shall introduce a new member to the train 
of the redeemed, and increase the joys of congratulating angels. 
And methinks what lienor it will be to me to be distmguishcd by 
Christ, the great head of the Church, at the last day. according to the 
measure of my former diligence and faithfulness : and what a glorious 
testimony it will be before the throne of God, to have many of those 
Avho were committed to my pastoral care on earth, come Ibrth and 
say, "O thou King of Saints, this was the hand, wliich strengthened 
"by thy might snatched us as hrebrands out of the burning! This 
" was the tongue, that by the direction and inlinence of tlie Spirit of 

ever been considered to be one of tlie greatest liindianccs of the ponce of ibe 
chiucli, and the piofjress of pure religion anionf; thoin. The aiTairs of tlie church 
liave often been made by the Chiefs an engine for political purposes to serve their 
own ends. The choice anil deposition o<" inis«ionaries among tlicin being latterly 
thus placed; and of whom, and that frequently, nearly all were men of no sem- 
blance of piety, but open profligates an<l mere nominal believers in the Chii*tiaii 
faith. The evils produced by this system are awfully great, li the posses^iiin >f 
it were in proportion to piety and wisdom, the chiucli in the tribe would l>c ucll 
governed, but as too often it is in the contrary proportion, the church i* totally 
surrendered to the will of mere worUUings, and the flock of Christ in given up tt» 
ravening wolves. 



\i 

'•life, spake to our licavls. warned us to flee iVoin llic M-ratli 1o come, 
"antl imparted to us that knowledge by which we became wise to 
"salvation! This Avas the Minister by whose seasonable admoni- 
"tions and salutary reproofs wc were awakened: by whose 4ears wc 
"were melted, by whose kindness we were comforted ; and by whose 
"prayers and counsel and example we have been conducted to this 
••glory !"" — O who can express, who conceive, the ravishing joy which 
will hence result to the heart of the faithful minister!. 

As in the former days, my Brethren, so I woidd now exhort and 
charge every one of you, as a father doth his children, that ye would 
walk worthy of God, who hath called you to his kingdom and glory. 

Let all this numerous assembly feel the importance of that gospel 
which hath brought life and immortality to light. I shall never again, 
probably, speak to you on the behalf of religion. To all then who hear 
my voice, let me preach a suflcring, dying, risen, and exalted Savior. 
Choose his religion now, and you shall be happy in life, liappy in 
death, and happy in eternity. I beseech. I imporc you, my Brethren", 
in the bonds of friendship, and in the bonds of the Lord; by the ten- 
der mercies of the God of peace; by the dying love of a crucified 
Redeemer; by the precious promises, and of the awful threatenings 
of the Gospel, by all your hopes of Heaven, and fears of misery ; by 
the worth of your immortal souls, and by all that is dear to men; I 
conjure you to' accept of the offers of mercy, and fly from the wrath 
to come. Beliold. now is the accepted time; behold^ now is the day 
of salvation. '•All the treasures of heaven are now open to you, the 
Idood of Clirist is now speaking fur tlie remission of sins; the church 
on earth stretches out its arms to receive you; the spirits of just men 
made ])erfect are eager to enroll you anrongst the number of the bles- 
sed : the Angt'ls and Arch-Angels arc waiting to break out into ncAV 
hallclujalis of ji)y on your return ; the whole Trinity is now emplDyed 
in yonr Ijchalf; God tlio Father, C!od the Son, and (lud the Holy 
Ghast at this instant call upon you, weary and heavy laden, to come 
unto them, that ye may have rest unto your souls I" 

JVow to the (lod of our salfatioii, Uif Father, tJic So}i and the Ilohji 
fipirit, he ascribed the Idngdom^ the jfoiceTj and the glory, for ever and! 
ever, Anicn. 



THE DESIGN OF CIIRISTS- MISSION INTO THE WORLD. 



JOHN, Chap. iii. vcr. 17. 

^'- God sent not his Son into the icorM to condemn the world; hat that 
the tvorld through him might he saved.'''' 

My Brethren — For a long- period before Jesus Christ of Nnzareth 
was born, there was a general expectation among the Nations, of 
the appearance of some extraordinary character, a character who 
should accomplish very extraordinary and extensive changes in 
the Earth. This prevailing notion probably originated among the 
JcAVS. For the Jews, dcpenduig on the j)rophecics which they found 
recorded in the Sacred I3ooks, were looking for the appearance of 
Messiah, and this Messiah, they erroneously supposed would inter- 
pose on behalf of their nation, and in accordance Avith their ambitious 
and aspiring feelings, would bring all other kingdoms and people in- 
to subjection to them. Ol'tcn did the Savior attempt to rectify this 
mistake, he labored abundantly to convince the inhabitants of Judea, 
that he was sent to be the Savior of the whole world; even in the dis- 
course with Nicodemus, one of their principal men, which discourse 
is recited in the chapter containing our text, he introduces this im- 
portant subject, and introduces it too in such a manner, as wc should 
suppose would inform his mind without awakening and alarming his 
prejudices. 

Having explained to this Jewish Rabbi the nature and necessity 
of regeneration, and by a natural and well known ligure explained 
to him the way of salvation, he proceeds and distinctly states and de- 
clares, that the whole world. Gentiles no less than Jews, was destin- 
ed in the eternal councils of God to participate in the blessings of his 
advent, yes, that the Most High in sending him into the world, had 
as much respect to the salvation of the poor benighted Heatliens, the 
Pagans of Africa and Ilindostan, as to his chosen people, the citi- 
zens of Palestine. "God sent not his Son into the world to condemn 
the world ; but that the world through him might be saved.'' 

But in view of the passage before us, wc are led to obvscrvc, 

I. That all things consiclercd. it was much more ])robable, that 
God should send His Son intothc world to condemn tlian to save it. 



u 

II Tliat noiwiihslanding the improbability, He actually sent him 
to save it. 

I. We are led to observe that all tilings considered it was much 
more probable that God should send His Son into tl:c Avorld to con- 
demn, than to save it. 

That God should ever, and on any errand whatever, send His Son 
into tiie world, is such a wonderlul. such an asttinishing event as must 
forever fill the whole creation witli amazement. But had wc been 
assured that Christ, was actually ih'stincd to visit tjje world, what 
could Ave have imagined to be so certain the jnirpose of his advent, 
as the just punishment of man's rebellion and folly. Here let us 
consider. 

1. What situation the world was in at the time that Christ was 
sent into it. Had God, when He looked down from heaven, to learn 
the feelings of His apostate creatures, observed that most (jf them 
were h\meiiting tiieir ungrateful ajiostacy: were sensible of the ruin 
int3 which they had foolishly i)lungeil themselves; were ardently 
wishing that some way could be devised for their recovery and were 
actually though unsuccessfully struggling to deliver themselves from 
the «lominion of sin, and from its just wages eternal death; it would 
perhaps not have been wholly irrational to hope that our abused and 
olfended .Maker, might feel some compassion towards us, and in the 
exercise of infinite wistlom and mercy oj)en a way for our recovery 
and salvation by the gift of His only begotten Son. But when wc 
consider that so f.ir from this, the v hole mass of mankind were uj) in 
arms against the right lid Sovereign, the glorious Majesty of Heaven; 
when we reJlect that not one of the whole human race (except a few 
whose hearts He had HimsuH subilued) ever desired any reconcilia- 
tion. Yes, were all utterly averse to the idea, and chose to have 
nothing done about it. We say, when it was their jtrevuiling and 
supreme desire aiul wish to live in sin w ith inijiunity, and wanted no 
better heaven than the pleasure of living always in the full iiulul- 
gence of their lleshly lusts; for what could any one of us jiossibly 
imagine that (jod should send His Son into the world, luiless it was 
to cxeeute upon us his liery indignation ami wralli, w hich we so 
richly deserved. 

'J. Whi'u we consider for what purposes God had before this sent 
special messenji:ers fn»u> Heaven to tlu' ICnrth. On very memorable 
occasions, tlie Most Hiirh. bvforc the conuug of C'hrist, had sent An- 
gels, comunssion<"<l to lidlil His will. In son»e instances they were 
minislcriu;; S|)irits sent forth to serve the interests of the heiis of sal- 
vation. But tliuiigh to these highly favored ones, they were the 
messengers of mercy, yet when commissioned and sent to the ojicn 
and avowed cnrmii-H of («od, tlu'v in gt>neral came as messengers of 
wrath, empowered to execute the most exem|tlary vengeance ol" their 
insultfd King Who can in thought behold Sodom ami the eities of 
tlw plain, wlio can coutiMU|tlati' all the fust born of l^p) )it. from Tha- 
raoh who sut on the ihrom;, to the slave «in the tlunghill. yes, who 
can survey one himdretl and eighty-live thousand soldiers slain in 
000 night Ml thr Assyrian Camp, and not shudder at the thought of a 



15 

messenger sent from Heaven. What, then, upon hearing that God 
\vas about to send Ilis own Son into Ihc Avorld, to execute His will 
n})on all. could any of us suppose, but that his errand was vengeance. 
What could any one imagine, but th:it since it was not a particular 
city, or one single nation, that God was about to puuisli the whole 
world, that therefore His tremendous judgments wotdd be propor- 
tioned to the dignity and greatness of tho divine executioner. Sure- 
ly as to the idea of his being sent to save such a world as this, it 
would not as much as enter the mind of a single created intelli<rcncc 
either human or angelic. But of all things unlikely and improbable 
this must seem the more so when we consider: 

3. That God most perfectly knew just in what manner the world 
would receive and treat His Son when sent to them. Did we not 
know that the volumes of futurity in every page lit^ open and naked 
to His view, or that God exactly forekno-ws every event iVf m the be- 
ginning to the end, we might as the Evangelist suggests, suppose 
the ]Most High to have reasoned thus. ••! have sent niany servants 
and ])ro[)hets to that wicked wretched Avorld. and instead of welcom- 
ing and receiving them kindly, and attending to their inslructi( ns 
and advice, they have treated them contrmjituonslV; they have dis- 
posed and even ])ersecnted them unto death; but should I send them 
my Son, ray only Son. surely they would welcome and reverence 
him. they would not dare to think a thouglit, or speak a word and 
much less presume to lift a finger against him; struck with wonder 
at my condescension, and their hearts won by my love, they would 
instantly throw away their weapons of rebellion, and return most 
cheerfully to their bounden allegience, therefore rather than that 
they should perish, 1 will send my dear Son to save them: but in- 
stead of this, instead of receiving, instead of reverencing His Sen, 
God perfectly well knew, that they would indignantly exclaim, this 
is ihc heir, come let us kill him, that the inheritenee may be ours."' 
Full well did He know, that whatever credentials Ilis Sc>n miglit 
show, however mdisputiible the eviilences of his divine mission might 
be, they would not believe liim, but deride liim as a worthless im- 
postor, cast him out of the vineyard and ] ut liim to death. Yes, and 
He knew that they not only would crucify His Sou. but that were it 
in their power, they would even pluck him from bis throne and sub- 
vert the universe. "What then could men calculate ujcn with the 
least degree t)f probability, but that if God sent His Son into the 
world, it would be in wrath and not in mercy; not to save but to de- 
stroy. But we proceed to remark, that though this was expected, 
yet, 

ir. God actually sent His Son, His only begotten Son into the 
world to save it. This is a declaration which might well astonish 
and fill us with surprise; yet so sottish are our hearts and so fre- 
quently do we hear of this stupendous transaction, that though an- 
gels arc amazed it passes by ns unheeded. But whatever the ignor- 
ance of the stupid and unfeeling, and the pride of infidels and scof. 
fers may suggest, know assuredly, my Brethren, that God sent His 
Son into this wicked, wretched Avorld, for the purpose of making re^ 



IG 

coiicilialii.n t»r iiii.jiiiiy; biiiiiiiiig in cvcjla.^liiiii liiilitcoiisncss, aiul 
cxulling tuCilory :ill tlicin A\ito believe in liii!i. 

1. To make ivcouciliation for iniquily. It \vas no less impossible 
for God to lie. Hum thai sin should be forgiven without nn atone- 
ment. But God knew that neither oi these Ava,s less impossible, than 
it was that man should atone I'or his guilt. What then was to be 
Tlone. Unlcs.s Divine Majesty could be honored, by the violated laws 
being magnilied, man the transgressor must perish. But ihis even 
angels, supposing they wore willing, Avere not able to accomplish; 
all tin- honor and service oi" which they arc capable they owed al- 
ready to their ]\Iakor. There was but one in heaven who was sufii* 
cicnt lor this miiihty tusk, who could honor insulted Majesty and 
satisfy oflended justice. Anil that one was he of whom, a voice 
from the excellent Glory, testified: this is my beloved l*^on in whom 
I am well pleased : from eternity he had lain in the bosom of the 
Father, and was always his delight; and would the Father send 
him on this super-angelic service ? The gilt is not only unspeaka- 
ble, it is incredible. No. hear O Heavens, give ear O J-^arth, 'God 
sjiared not His own Scm, but delivered him up for us all,'' 

Ves. He jirejiured liim a body, and sent him to bo a projiitiatlon, 
and that not Ibr our sins only, but ft>r the whole world. Let Divine 
testimony silence all the cavil of vain ])liilosophy and put to shame 
every scotling infidel. Belu)ld. ny\' Brethren, A\h:it manner of love 
is this I Ftejnily alone will suliiec to explore and celebrate this stu- 
pendous heaven — astonishing m3'stci7. But God sent His Sou not 
only l<» maki- titoncment. but 

2. T<» bring in everhisting righteousness. Rebellious men were Hot 
only inadefpuile to make ex])iation for past offences, either l>y doing 
or sulieriiig, but totally to-providi' for themselves those robes of right- 
eousness ill which tluy coidd apjtear with acceptance in the presence 
of a Holy (ioil. Bill lei the lii-avens rejoice ami let all the ransom- 
o<l nations shout for joy. («od has himself i)rovided a righteousness, 
which lie declares 'shall ]»e unto all and upon all them that believe." 
On this v(!ry account, my Bii'tliren. it is, that .fesus is named '"the 
Lord our righteousness,"' clothed in his unspotted robe; the vilest of 
all the host of vile, lletiirning prodigals, nuiA" now present them- 
sclve.s without ("ear of" an angry frown, pcrf"cct and complete in the 
presence oflluMrGod. Yes, to every one of this character it is now 
given niiiU-r the deepest ?iense of" personal weakness ami ]iollution, 
boldly to say, '"in the Lord Jesus have I righteousness and strength."' 

:i. God .sent His Son into the worKI to exalt to glory and eternal 
blessedness all tlmse who believe and obey the ( Jospel. Christ came 
into (lie world, not only to begin and prosecute, but to i)crl"ect the 
.snivulion of sinners; lie is no more tin- uiithor, than he is the finisher 
of our l"iiilh; with respcel to all them that believe, he not only <leliv- 
ers their soiiIk from the dominion of sni and (he danmation of hell, 
bill will also niis«' their bodies from the jiower of the grave, ami ex- 
alt ihcin at tin* Insl day to thrones of glory niul ceasekss joy. Ho 
whom the Father Iui.m sealeil and sent will never cease till he has 
iuilillcil (he dtilicH.of hit^Uij'h ci»nimi"».siojv mid cnn sny in respect to 



17 

every creature priven him to save, and in the hearing of all worlds 
assembled to judgment, "It is finished."' My Brethren, the tliemo 
we contemplate is wonderful, it would be indeed passing belief, did 
not testimony divine and infinite, confirm the fact. Instead of con- 
demning the world as was to be expected, God sent His Son to save ; 
yes, to save from death, by the sacrifice of his own life, and by con- 
ducting all tlirfD concerns of every individual of his cho.sen, till he shall 
perfect their holiness, and introduce them to the full possession of 
the inheritance incorruptablc, undefiled and immortal prepared for 
them before the foundation of the world. Hear, O heavens, and l)e 
astonished O Earth, this is the Load's doing, and wonderful in the 
sight of angels, and all that dwell on high. But alas, by our subject 
we are led to 

REFLECT j 

How little effect all the wonders -of wisdom, love and power, produce 
upon the world at large. Most appear wholly regardless of the great 
salvation, yes, what angels desire tc look into, and what constitutes 
the theme of heaven's highest praise, stupid mortals treat as a thing 
of nought. O how base their ingratitude, and how awfully aggrava- 
ted will be their guilt, in thus pouring contempt upon the compassion- 
ate Savior, " the beloved Son of God."" These are despisers who 
^vill one day w^onder and perish, and this stupendous mercy of God, 
will prove their heaviest, their most dreadful curse, devils tliemselves 
have something to plead in their vindication, something which these 
Christ-dispisers will never be able to alledge. Satan himself will 
be able to saj^, no Savior was provided for me, I never had the offer 
of salvation, none, either in heaven, earth or hell can charge mc 
w^ith the madness and folly of rebelling against redeeming mercy. 
Let stupid thoughtless sinners consider a moment, and may Ihe aw- 
ful truth prick them to the heart, you are dcsi)ising tbe blood of the 
cross, you are trampling under foot the Son of God, that compassion- 
ate Jesus, who lived, who sufTered and died to save you from the 
^vrath divine and make you partakers of ceaseless joys. O lay it to 
heart, and may this wonderful love win your souls, constraining you 
instantly to embrace him and exclaim, '"'my Lord, and my God.'' 
There are some whose views of the riches of pardoning love, and of 
the value of Christ's blood are so limited and scanty, or their con- 
sciences are so burdened with a sense of their numberless .sins, that 
they are disposed and ready to believe, that they are reprobates, thnt 
it is in vain for them to ask for forgivencs.s, and that it is actual pre- 
sumption in them for a moment to imagine that they may be made 
the subjects of saving mercy. But was not the Most High from tJie 
beginning perfectly acquainted with your unnumbered transgressions 
and all their aggravating circumstances? Did He not see all your 
vileness, pollution and guilt, when he gave forth the decree "to save 
them from going down to the pit, for I have found a ransom?"' Dare 
you for a moment entertain the blasphemous idea, that God sent 
His Son into the world, to execute a work which after all be was 
not able to perform, and of course, that his purposes of love will fail 

3 



of accoraplislimeut ? Road the history of Jesns"s life, and say can 
you ihore discover, that lie ever manifested the least backwardness 
to fuUil his undertaking, did he ever frown upon one .single suppliant 
and send him away grieved and disappointed, did he ever say to tljc 
vilest i>iiblican, the most nc^orious sinner; your crimes are so many 
and so great that they eannot he forgiven, my blood is not sufiicient 
to wash away their stam. Yes, read the thousand great and preci- 
ous promises of God. to the distressed, the broken hearted, self-abas- 
ed sinner, and say are you prepared to think that God is not sincere 
and will not fuUil His promise? O be not faithless but believing. If 
the blood of Christ can save a world, surely it must be sullicicnt for 
all your guilt. Come then to Jesus, and know assuredly that he will 
never cast you out, commit your soul to him, and he \vill save you 
with a linishcd and everlasting salvation, "arise, behold he called 
you."' 

Let our subject this evening awaken the reflection of all Miio are 
enjoying this great salvation. While you are made to rejoice in a 
sweet sense of jiardoned sin, and an assurance of final victory over 
♦ !very spiritual foe. while you have the testimony of conscience, and 
the witness of the Sj)irit tluxt you are born by a ne^v celestial birth, 
are walking back to God. yes, while you feel the llanie of divine love 
burning within you. and have good ho])e that God has loved you 
with an everlasting love. O let this wonderful love of the great God 
•your savior constrain you this evening to devote yourself anew to his 
])raise. giving iiway alresh your whole self, body and spirit. Now 
at this joylul eommemoration. of the conversion of the ]>agan part of 
the Oneida tril^e to the christian laith. })erform the solemn transac- 
tion .M:iy I once more indulge the ho})o that those of you who woio- 
llu-n nuide the subjects of saving mercy; (when we shall all sti'iud 
bel'urc the judgment seat of Christ.) may be among tlie happy num- 
l)er whfi will tlicn aj)pear as the seals of my ministry, of whom I may 
say, "Lord licre am 1 and the children whom thou hast given me."' 
As a preparation for this .solemn scene, may I exhort you once more, 
to dev«ite you time and talents to the service of llim who died for 
your oUences and rose again for your j\istihcation. () come my 
Hretliren, with devoted hearts and united hands, ''let us crown him 
Lord of all." Hail, thou once despis'*d (lalikan. who fur our sakes, 
poor and guilty siiniers, was an infant in Bethlehem, and the scorned 
sufferer on Calvary, ('ome in all tlu' splendour of thy celestial glo- 
ry, and the glory of the Father, and lill our souls this evening with 
iliy heavenly hen«'dietions. 

Nuu- to llir (I'txl of till (irucr, the Futhor^ the Wuitl^ and (he Holy 
Ghost be all honur and glnnj noic and J'vi ever. Amen. 



RD 1.4 8" 



APPENDIX. 



" Eleazer Williams, son of Thomas Williams, a War Chief of the Iroquois na- 
tion of Indians, has ofliciated as a religious instructor among the Oneida Indians 
tor nine months past. KTc is employed as a Catechist, Lay reader, and School- 
master, b^^ho Bishop, and the Committee of the Protestant Episcopal Church for 
propagat^P the (T(T.-pel in the State of New York. One part of that nation who 
have heretofore iuUiered to Paganism, and have been always denominated the 
"Pagan party" of tlie Oneida nation of Indians, have resolved to embrace Chris- 
tianity. Their ebmnuKiiratiou to the Governor on the subject, will appear in the 
next number." — Chri^tinn Journal for February, 1S17. 

The fcillowing communication, addressed to the Governor of'this State, evinces 
the success of 31r. Williams' exertions, who as mentioned in the last number of 
the Journal, is employed by tiie Protestant Episcopal Church in this State, as a 
Lay reader. Catechist and Schoolmaster among the Oneida Indians. It M'ill be 
pleasing to the patrons of missionary labors in particular, and to Christians ir. 
general. — Idem. 

TO HIS EXCELLEAX'Y THE GOV. OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. 

May it please your Excellency , 

We, the Chiefs and principal men of that part of the Oneida nation of 
Indians heretofore known and distinguished as the Pagan party, in the name of 
the said party, beg leave to address your Excellency, on a subject which we hope 
Will be as pleasing to your Excellency as it is to us. 

We no longer o^vn the name of Pagans; we have abandoned our Idols and our 
sacrifices and have fixed our hopes on our blessed Redeemer. In evidence of this 
asseition. we here tender to your Excellency, and unequivocally, our abjuration 
of paganism and its rites; and take the Christian's God to be our God, and our 
only hope of salvation. 

We believe in God the Father, the creator and preserver of all things — as om- 
nicient and omnipresent — most gracious and most merciful. We believe in Jesus 
Christ, that he is the Son of God — the Savior of the world — the IMediator between 
God and JNIan, and all must believe in him and embrace him in order to obtain 
salvation. We believe in God the sanctificr and comforter of all the children of 
men: we believe in a general resurrection, and a future jiulgmcnt, in whiidi all 
mankind shall be judged according to their works: wc believe the Scriptures to 
be the word of God and that in them are contained all things necessary to nuin's 
salvation. 

We present to your Excellency this abstract of our faith, in order to remon- 
strate against our retaining any longer the name of Pagans. We trust, that, 
through the mercy of God, we have abandoned the ciiaracter of Pagans; let us al- 
so abandon the name. 

We therefore request your Exeellcney, that in all future transactions with this 
State, we may be known and distinguished as " The Second Christian Parly of 
the Oneida Nation of Indians."' And \ve pray that your Excellency will take 
such means as may be necessary and proper to cause us to be known and recog- 
nised in future by that name. And in the name of the Most Holy Trinity we do 
liere sign ourselves, your Excellency's most sincere friends. 

Done in general Council at Oneida this twenty-fifth day of January, 1S17. 

The following Indians subscribed to the above, each one making his mark: 

COM. OTATSHETE, ANIYOST TORONYONGO, 

JOHN CANNELIUS, JACOB ATONI, 

WM. TONIATEKEN, PETER SATEKARENHES, 

NICHOLAS GARONGONTIE, MOSES SCHUYLER, 

Wm. TEGARENTOTORHON, WM. TEHORATATHE, 
PETER TEWASERATE. 




20 

The exertions more recently made for the conversion of the Imlian tribes have 
nol4j<*en so successful, partly bucnnsc not united with efforts to introduce among 
iheni those arts of civilization, without which the gospel can neither be under- 
stood nor valued; but principally because rcli^^ious instruction was conveyed 
thrpii^h the imperfect medium of interpreters, by those unacquainted with their 
dispositions and habits, and in whom they were not disposeil to place the same 
coulidencc, as in those who are connecte<l with them Ijy the powerful tics of lan- 
gaujje, of manners and of kiiidrcdT TliC reli'_'ioMS instmctor of the Oneidas, em- 
ployed by our church, enjoys all these a(l\ autufres. Jiein^ of Indiai^extraction 
ami acquainted with their language, dispositions anft*^8toms, ^nd dc^Ping him- 
self unremittingly to their spiritual and temporal welfare.^B^^^ their full eon- 
lidcnce; whih- tho education which he lias reeeivcil, has i^^^^Hj^Mg^qualiiiea^^^^ 
tions as their guiile in the faith and precepts ol'ilie Gospel. ^^^^^^Rrn- vi-ni^ai^^^ 
ediy explained to them, in coimcils which they held for thi~ pu pose, i' i- |PF 

ces of the divine origin of Christianity and its doctrines, insiiititnms an. i 
He combated tlieir objections, patiently answered their inquiries, and was liually 
through the divine -blessing successful in satisfying their doubts. Soon after their 
conversion they appropriated, in conjunction Avith tlie old christian party, the pro- 
ceeds of the sale of some of their lands to tlie erection of a iiandsome ediliee lor 
divine worship, wliich will be shortly completed." — Bishop Hobart's address to the 
Convention, from Journal of Convention, IblS, pp. 1&-20. 

Utica, September 28, 1S19. 

'"On Tuesday last the Chapel erected for the Oneida Indians, at Oneida Castle, 
was consecrated by the Right Rev. Bishop Hobart, by the name of St. Peter's 
Church, and 50 Indians \vho had been previously prepared for that purpose by 
their instmctor, I\Ir. Williams, received conhrmation. At the visit of the Bishop 
last year, 04 Indians were confirmed. Too much praise cannot be bestowed upon 
the exertions and pious zeal of jNIr. Williams, in his successfid elforts to bring into 
the christian cliurch, his pagan brethren. When he arrived among them two or 
three years ago, more than half of the Oneidas were of that character. Now 
many arc professed ehristinns, and the attention to religious services is general 
an. I npimreiitly nineoro. It has ofu-n been lainentetl that tha exertions of tlie mis- 

' 'Htives iif this country has been attended with so little sue- 

ppointment are not now a subject of inquiry, but the friends 

.11 have the satisfaction to .«ee the labors of Mr. AVilliams 

.1 wiiU tho iii.ist unexampled success; and to witness the rapid advanee- 

1 the Indians m a knowledge of the useful arts, of the principles^ of the 

.i,Muin rcligi.in, and to i)orceivc the general amelioration of their rUserable con- 

'Iitioii." — L'lica Patriot. 

Ffltm the Onondaga Gazette of July 30, 1S17. 

"It iTiMv not be improper, to notice in this place the exertions of ^Ir. Williams, 

" ' ""' I'»y reader of liie K])iseopal Church among the Qneida Indians" 

!"'"dti<i-il the most happy results. Iluiulreds of these once bewilder- 

li<» joined ill t!ic war song of murder on their foes, are now miitin" in 

I and responses of our ehurih, singing i>raises to the Savior who has 

''' HI out of lieallienish darkness into nuirvelous light. 

1 hi» u..ithy young Gentlemen is peculiarly well (pialiliedto preach the Gospel 
lo the naiivin. ami it is cxpoctod he will be 'ordiiinetl by the Bishop for that j)ur- 
I"^ '•'". "'"I ho M-ill extend his mission to the Onondafea tribe; 

\ iht w.-ek in company with the Kcv. Mr. Clarke of Manliiis, ancl 

' ' ', ^^hcn about 1.') of those people wen- boptiz.-d, openly proA-s- 

muK liiiih m tho Kcdeeiiior. Mr. Williams is of Indian cxtraciion, in w.-ll virsed 
III »li."W |.,M?ni!«;v, nnd po(i«es!«es (nicnts, erudition, and tUiit phasing urbanity of 
' tiiilinoiif wliorjc l.iisinoss it is " to win souls unto ("itrist." 

liidiiint lire already pUH^ionately attaehed to him, and it is con- 
1 . that hilt vi-,ils will b.- prodiielivf of the most benelieial oJleels. 

I lial nil iho*e \vli.> really wi-h will to liic p.ior Indians, will eo-oprr- 

" Willinm* us the only probable means tif their lasting and evorlasiing 

r-'-'J-" AN i: riscur A LI. \N. " 






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